The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has named Dr. L. Patrick Dail as Vice President for Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) & Workforce Development, effective June 2. Reporting to Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement Jason Wells, Dr. Dail will lead the continued growth of ATDM, an intensive four-month training initiative that equips adults for in-demand defense-manufacturing careers. ATDM is on track to graduate 800–1,000 skilled technicians annually.

“I have become so impressed with the professionalism, talent and commitment of our instructors who work diligently to effectively prepare highly skilled tradespeople for their critical new roles. I also applaud our support staff who work around the clock to help our learners reach graduation, and I am very excited to help lead this visionary program.” – Patrick Dail, Ed.D., Vice President of ATDM & Workforce Development, IALR

In those roles, Dr. Dail will accelerate ATDM’s mission to deliver job-ready talent in CNC machining, welding, metrology, non-destructive testing and additive manufacturing—fields critical to maintaining the United States’ maritime readiness. Dr. Dail will provide strategic oversight for every facet of ATDM, from student recruitment and job placement to instructor support and development, ensuring the program remains tightly aligned with the urgent workforce needs of the U.S. Navy’s Maritime Industrial Base and the broader Defense Industrial Base.

“Patrick’s experience overseeing employer-aligned training programs makes him the right leader to guide ATDM as we scale to meet the Navy’s critical workforce needs and create life-changing career pathways. I am confident he will continue to build on the standard set for rapid, high-quality workforce preparation in maritime and defense manufacturing.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

He will guide a multidisciplinary leadership team, facilitate industry and community partnerships, and oversee student-support initiatives such as housing and transportation that enable participants to focus entirely on training. Dr. Dail will also monitor key performance metrics, champion continuous improvement and secure external funding to sustain long-term program growth and innovation.

“Patrick brings a track record of strong leadership and operational excellence to this role. His understanding of workforce development, commitment to student success and strategic mindset make him an ideal leader as ATDM continues to expand its impact and scale nationally.” – Jason Wells, Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Advancement, IALR

Dr. Dail brings more than two decades of experience designing and managing large-scale workforce and continuing-education programs. He most recently served as Dean of Continuing Education at South Piedmont Community College (N.C.). He previously held leadership roles with the Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York and the New York City Department of Correction. He has a proven track record of forging employer-aligned training pipelines, developing inclusive learning environments and driving data-informed program improvements. Dr. Dail earned a doctorate in education in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College.

About ATDM

The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program provides focused, industry-driven training to equip participants with skills critical for defense manufacturing. This initiative is funded through the National Imperative for Industrial Skills by the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program Office within the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. IALR serves as the program provider for ATDM and is supported by various strategic and collaborative partnerships.

ATDM Website

About the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses on Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg and the cities of Martinsville and Danville.